Spurs saw a bid rejected by Shakhtar Donetsk for Willian, 24, in the summer and, while Villas-Boas still rates the forward, it appears the club's asking price would prove a stumbling block with regards a January deal.

Villas-Boas is quoted by Lancenet as saying: "We made contact with Willian and he was one of the players who we were interested in. I like his work, but we had a point where we had to stop - we couldn't meet his valuation. When it's like that, it's difficult, so we left the negotiation.

"Shakhtar are a difficult club to negotiate with. They know the value of Willian, they don't need money, they don't need help. They can keep hold of their players."

Internacional striker Damiao, 23, has also been linked with a switch to White Hart Lane and Villas-Boas has outlined his admiration for the Brazilian.

He said: "Leandro had a great Olympics. There are many interesting players, there are many here also - we are satisfied. But, obviously we will follow the best players and youngsters and Leandro fits this profile.

"We are watching his progression. After the Olympics he had injuries and didn't play a lot. If he is within our limits, he is always on our list."